as of today, the Dream Act has passed the House, while the DADT repeal just failed in the Senate, by a vote of 57-40. yes, you read that right, the repeal FAILED with a 57 vote majority in favor of it.
is that not the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? it failed because the republicans filibustered, which means that you need 60 votes to pass it, and not a majority. this mass abuse of the filibuster that the republicans have done for virtually everything that's come up in congress since they were kicked into the minority is unprecedented. it's not supposed to be the norm to use the filibuster as though it's an ordinary Senate tool. but for them it's become their only weapon to prevent ANYTHING from actually getting done, even if there's a clear majority in favor if it, like there is for this. the only other time it was abused like this was during the 60s, when the Civil Rights Acts were passing through Congress. Southern Republicans at the time were so viciously against it that they filibustered over and over again to prevent it from happening. and obviously they were acting on behalf of their racist constituents at the time, but this DADT measure? repeal is supported by 75% of the public, the secretary of defense, the joint chiefs of staff, 70% of the troops themselves, etc. it's not controversial anymore, this should NOT be a partisan issue.
it's insane. i repeat my call that we should abolish the Senate, if this is the way the minority party is going to act from now on. it prevents the government from functioning and it's completely wrong.
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